Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are a band of many talents, combining songs that could have been '70s rock anthems with Potter's powerhouse vocals, exuding blues, country, and pop flair.

The band's musical variety attracted a diverse crowd to the Celebrity Theatre last night, offering a little something for everybody.

Melissa Fossum

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Four musicians took the stage before Grace Potter made her grand entrance, decked out in a shimmering white gown and stylish heels that made her look like she was dressed more for the Oscars than a concert. Her attire and body language made it clear why the band isn't just called The Nocturnals--Potter steals the show.

"Somebody has put a '70s filter on the video, '64 to be exact," she said, pointing to the projection of herself above the stage. The '70s influence is undeniable, from the band's lengthy jams and pronounced keyboard parts to the way Potter presents herself. She hits notes like Janis Joplin, commands the stage like Stevie Nicks, and has a noticeable country streak.

The show was off to a rough start, as the band started performing "Turntable" and Potter's vocals cut out. I overheard a tech panicking about the PA not working, and a friend close to the stage insists that he heard backing vocals play while Potter's mic was down. It took the crew a couple songs to get things right, but by the time the band tore into "Goodbye Kiss," the previous difficulties didn't matter.

The band initially stuck to rock songs, mixing things up with piano ballad "Apologies," then veering from the setlist.

"Being on this stage is a lot like being on tour. You close your eyes and you're in a different place. You get used to not quite knowing where you are and not quite knowing what's right," said Potter, introducing "Roulette," a b-side from The Lion, The Beast, The Beat, which sounded like The Nocturnals' pop answer to Fleetwood Mac.